Box Score Box Score

WATERTOWN, Wis. – The St. Scholastica football team can add another first to the program as the Saints traveled to Maranatha Baptist Bible College (Wis.) and defeated the Crusaders 33-8 today for the team's first-ever road victory.

It is the Saints' second-ever victory in the program's second year of existence. The first win came against Trinity Bible College (N.D) last season at Public Schools Stadium, 47-8.

After a good opening kickoff return by #Jonny Bennett# (So.-Blackduck, Minn.), who advanced the ball into Crusader territory, the Saints were stopped on four downs and gave the ball to Maranatha. After a halfback pass by the Crusaders got the ball into CSS territory on their first play from scrimmage, the Saints defense held strong and forced Maranatha to turn the ball over on downs.

After a Maranatha punt late in the first quarter, the Saints drove the ball 80 yards on seven plays with the drive capped off on a #Christopher Henagin# (Sr.-Cloquet, Minn.) 1-yard touchdown plunge. The extra point was missed as the score was 6-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Saints recovered a fumble inside Maranatha's 20-yard-line in the second quarter, but were unable to capitalize, turning the ball over on downs. However later in the second quarter, Henagin received the option pitch from #Jake Olson# (So.-Esko, Minn.) and scored from five yards out. #Matt Holter# (Fr.-Proctor, Minn.) added the extra point and the Saints extended their lead to 13-0.

Then following a #Zack Dubanoski# (Fr.-New Prague, Minn.) interception, the Saints added to their lead with a Jake Olson (Esko, Minn./Esko HS) 12-yard touchdown pass to #Keegan O'Neill# (So.-Superior, Wis.) to make the score 19-0. That would be the score at the half.

In the second half, the Crusaders would get their first points when the Saints had a bad snap deep in their own territory and had to take a safety. After the free kick, Maranatha was inside the St. Scholastica 20-yard-line, but #Scott Greening# (So.-Antigo, Wis.) intercepted his second pass of the afternoon and appeared to bring it back for a 95-yard touchdown. However, a penalty on the return negated the score. The Saints were still able to capitalize as Henagin scored his third touchdown of the day with another 1-yard touchdown run to make the score 26-2.

After the Crusaders were able to score their first touchdown of the season, the Saints added one more score at the end of the game when backup quarterback #Alex Thiry# (So.-Cambridge, Minn./Braham) connected with #Matthew Johnson# (So.-Superior, Wis.) for a 67-yard touchdown pass to make the final score 33-8.

The Saints out-gained the Crusaders 480-250 in the game. The CSS defense held Maranatha to just 29 yards on the ground on 27 attempts.

Christopher Henagin (Cloquet, Minn./Fond du Lac) rushed for 147 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. Jake Olson (Esko, Minn./Esko HS) was 18-of-35 for 218 yards and one touchdown. Matthew Johnson (Superior, Wis./Superior HS) had a four catches for a career-high 119 yards. The same can be said for #Tyler LeRoux# (So.-Esko, Minn.),w ho had a career-high six receptions for 98 yards, filling in for the injured #Mike VanMassenhove# (So.-Superior, Wis.).

#JP Leary III# (So.-Inver Grove Heights, Minn./South St. Paul) and #Sean Graskey# (Fr.-Superior, Wis.) each had nine tackles to lead the Saints defensively. Leary also had three tackles for a loss in the game. The defense as a whole had program-best 11 tackles for a loss. Punter #Alex Duea# (Fr.-Royalton, Minn.) had a nice day with four punts averaging 44 yards and two landing inside the 20-yard-line.

The Saints return home next Saturday when they face Wisconsin Lutheran College at Ole Haugsrud Field in Superior. The kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and can be heard live on ESPN Radio 560-WEBC and can be seen live courtesy of the iFan Sports Network on csssaints.com.